Bird Flu Update

Globally, more than 130 people have died of bird flu since late 2003. Most of the deaths have been in East Asia, but the virus has also spread to Europe, Africa and South and Central Asia. Indonesia has recorded its 42nd human bird flu death, bringing the country level with Vietnam as the worst affected by the disease. Indonesia has registered more bird flu deaths this year than any other nation. In contrast the outbreak in Vietnam now seems to be under control, due to a large culling and vaccination drive and no Vietnamese deaths have been recorded in 2006. Indonesia has been criticised for its reluctance to cull fowl in infected areas – a measure that experts say is the best way to stem the spread of the disease, but the government says it does not have enough money to compensate farmers.



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